If your Windows PC is acting up, crashing, or refusing to start properly, booting into Safe Mode is often the first real fix you can try. Safe Mode loads Windows with only the essential drivers and services. No extra software, no bloated startup programs, just the bare minimum. This lets you diagnose and fix problems that normal mode hides.
This guide covers every method to boot into Safe Mode on Windows 10 and Windows 11, step by step.
What Is Safe Mode and Why Does It Matter
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode built into Windows. When you boot into it, Windows skips third-party drivers, startup apps, and most background services. Only core system files load.
This is useful when:
- Your PC keeps crashing or showing a blue screen (BSOD)
- A driver update broke your display or hardware
- Malware is blocking your antivirus from running
- Windows freezes during normal startup
- You installed software that now prevents booting
Safe Mode gives you a clean environment to work in. Once inside, you can uninstall bad drivers, run scans, restore your system, or delete problematic files.
Three Types of Safe Mode in Windows
Before you start, know which version you need.
| Mode | What It Does | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Mode | Loads minimal drivers only | General troubleshooting |
| Safe Mode with Networking | Adds network and internet support | Downloading drivers, running online scans |
| Safe Mode with Command Prompt | Opens CMD instead of desktop | Advanced repairs, no GUI needed |
Most people need plain Safe Mode or Safe Mode with Networking. Command Prompt version is for advanced users.
Method 1: Boot Into Safe Mode From Settings (Windows 10 and 11)
This is the easiest method if Windows is still loading normally.
Step 1: Open the Start menu and click the Settings gear icon. Or press Windows + I.
Step 2: Go to System, then scroll down and click Recovery.
Step 3: Under “Advanced startup,” click Restart now.
Step 4: Your PC will restart to a blue screen with options. Click Troubleshoot.
Step 5: Click Advanced options.
Step 6: Click Startup Settings.
Step 7: Click Restart.
Step 8: After restart, you will see a numbered list. Press:
- 4 for Safe Mode
- 5 for Safe Mode with Networking
- 6 for Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Windows will now boot into Safe Mode. The screen will look lower resolution and show “Safe Mode” in the corners. That is normal.
Method 2: Use the System Configuration Tool (MSConfig)
This method is great if you want to boot into Safe Mode repeatedly without going through menus every time.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type msconfig and press Enter.
Step 3: Click the Boot tab.
Step 4: Under Boot options, check the box labeled Safe boot.
Step 5: Select the type:
- Minimal = Standard Safe Mode
- Network = Safe Mode with Networking
- Alternate shell = Safe Mode with Command Prompt
Step 6: Click Apply, then OK.
Step 7: Restart your PC. It will boot directly into Safe Mode.
Important: Remember to go back into MSConfig after you are done and uncheck Safe boot. Otherwise your PC will keep booting into Safe Mode every time.
Method 3: Boot Into Safe Mode From the Login Screen
If Windows loads but you cannot sign in, you can access Safe Mode from the lock screen.
Step 1: On the login screen, click the Power icon in the bottom right corner.
Step 2: Hold the Shift key on your keyboard.
Step 3: While holding Shift, click Restart.
Step 4: Your PC restarts to the Advanced Startup Options screen.
Step 5: Follow the same path: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Step 6: Press 4, 5, or 6 to choose your Safe Mode type.
Method 4: Interrupt the Boot Process (When Windows Won’t Start)
If Windows cannot even reach the login screen, this method forces it into recovery mode.
Step 1: Turn on your PC.
Step 2: As soon as you see the Windows logo or loading circle, hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force shut it down.
Step 3: Turn it back on.
Step 4: Repeat this two more times. On the third failed boot, Windows automatically opens the Automatic Repair screen.
Step 5: Click Advanced options.
Step 6: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Step 7: Press the number for the Safe Mode type you need.
This method works even when Windows is completely broken. It triggers the built-in recovery environment that Microsoft includes in Windows 10 and 11.
Method 5: Use a Windows Installation Drive
If nothing else works, you can boot from a USB drive with Windows on it.
Step 1: You need a Windows 10 or 11 bootable USB. You can create one using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool on another PC.
Step 2: Plug the USB into the broken PC and boot from it. You may need to press F2, F12, DEL, or ESC during startup to open boot options.
Step 3: When the Windows setup screen appears, click Next, then click Repair your computer in the bottom left.
Step 4: Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
Step 5: Press the number to choose Safe Mode.
How to Boot Into Safe Mode on Windows 11 Specifically
Windows 11 uses the same methods as Windows 10. The menus look slightly different but the steps are identical. The Settings path is:
Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now
After restarting, the blue screen options are the same. Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > choose 4, 5, or 6.
One small difference in Windows 11: the Recovery page in Settings also shows a Fix problems using Windows Update option. This is separate from Safe Mode but worth knowing about.
What to Do Once You Are in Safe Mode
Getting into Safe Mode is step one. Here is what you can actually do while inside it.
Uninstall a Problematic Driver
- Right-click the Start button and open Device Manager
- Find the device with the bad driver
- Right-click it and select Uninstall device
- Restart normally afterward
Remove Malware
Run your antivirus software from inside Safe Mode. Many types of malware cannot load in Safe Mode, which makes them easier to detect and delete. Tools like Malwarebytes work well in this environment.
Run System Restore
- Search for System Restore in the Start menu
- Open it and choose a restore point from before the problem started
- Follow the steps and let Windows roll back
Delete Problematic Apps
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and uninstall anything you recently added that may have caused the issue.
Check Event Viewer
Search for Event Viewer in the Start menu. Look under Windows Logs > System for errors with red icons. These tell you exactly what went wrong.
How to Exit Safe Mode
Leaving Safe Mode is simple. Just restart your PC normally. It will boot back into regular Windows automatically.
If you used MSConfig to enable Safe boot, you must:
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, press Enter - Go to the Boot tab
- Uncheck Safe boot
- Click Apply and OK
- Restart
If you skip this step, your PC will keep restarting in Safe Mode every time.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Safe Mode looks stretched or blurry | Low-res display driver | Normal, it is expected |
| Cannot connect to internet in Safe Mode | Need networking version | Restart and choose option 5 |
| PC still freezes in Safe Mode | Deep system corruption | Use System Restore or reset |
| Safe Mode boots but nothing works | Corrupt Windows install | Run SFC scan or reset PC |
| Cannot exit Safe Mode | MSConfig still set | Uncheck Safe boot in MSConfig |
Run SFC Scan in Safe Mode
If Windows feels unstable even in Safe Mode, your system files may be damaged. Run this scan:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator (search CMD, right-click, Run as administrator)
- Type:
sfc /scannow - Press Enter and wait. This can take 10 to 20 minutes.
Windows will scan and repair corrupted files automatically. Restart after it finishes.
Quick Reference: Keyboard Shortcuts in Startup Settings
| Key | Action |
|---|---|
| 4 or F4 | Enable Safe Mode |
| 5 or F5 | Enable Safe Mode with Networking |
| 6 or F6 | Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt |
| 7 or F7 | Disable driver signature enforcement |
| 9 or F9 | Disable automatic restart on failure |
Conclusion
Booting into Safe Mode on Windows is a powerful first step for fixing almost any serious PC problem. Whether your computer crashes at startup, a driver broke your display, or malware is causing issues, Safe Mode gives you a clean, stripped-down environment to work in.
The fastest method for a working PC is through Settings > Recovery > Advanced Startup. If Windows won’t load at all, force three boot failures to trigger Automatic Repair. And if all else fails, a bootable USB gives you full access to the recovery tools.
Once inside Safe Mode, focus on the root cause. Uninstall bad drivers, remove malware, or run a System Restore. Then exit Safe Mode, restart normally, and your PC should be back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Safe Mode delete anything?
No. Safe Mode does not delete files or settings. It only changes which programs and drivers load at startup. Your personal files, installed apps, and settings remain untouched.
Can I use the internet in Safe Mode?
Only if you choose Safe Mode with Networking. Standard Safe Mode disables network drivers. If you need to download a driver or run an online scan, always pick option 5 at the Startup Settings screen.
Why does my screen look weird in Safe Mode?
Safe Mode uses a basic display driver instead of your graphics card driver. This causes lower resolution and sometimes stretched visuals. It is completely normal and will return to normal once you boot back into regular Windows.
How long should I stay in Safe Mode?
Only as long as it takes to fix the problem. Safe Mode is not meant for regular use. Some features will not work, and performance will be lower than normal. Once you fix the issue, restart and exit Safe Mode.
What if Safe Mode itself won’t load?
This usually means serious system file corruption or a failing hard drive. Try running Startup Repair from the Advanced Options menu. If that fails, back up your files if possible and consider resetting Windows from Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
